WHO is that individual who ordered the withdrawal of the personal security for Dr Mahathir Mohamad? Earlier, the personal maids were withdrawn from his house. What else will be withdrawn?

This decision is amateurish, irresponsible, undignified and outright demeaning for a former national leader who led the nation for 22 years.

Leaders of the world had high regards for him and Malaysia was once held in high esteem during his leadership.

During the 1998 Asian financial crisis, it was Dr Mahathir’s decisive action that saved our economy. Regardless of what he is today, a man who is in outright opposition to the present government, he certainly does not deserve such an unprincipled treatment.

Now that he is deprived of personal security, Dr Mahathir is exposed to threats to his personal safety and wellbeing.

If it is intended that he be exposed to threats, it is then incumbent upon all right-thinking Malaysians to gather and give him protection wherever he goes.

I do not think Malaysians who are patriotic would want to see their respected and deeply appreciated former national leader, who is leading a call for a better Malaysia, be threatened and harmed in his highly spirited desire for an ultimate change in the current national leadership.

Should anything untoward happen (God forbid) to the wellbeing of Dr Mahathir, the members of Persatuan Patriot Kebangsaan will put full blame upon the national leadership and the guardians of law and order, and will demand an investigation to expose the failure of the government of the day.

We make a firm commitment to defend and protect Dr Mahathir and that no physical harm should befall upon him at any time.

We also call upon all those who claim themselves to be patriots to make a similar commitment. One cannot be a “patriot” of this nation if he or she becomes indifferent to national leaders who had served the people, nation, and the rulers of Malaysia.

This latest deprivation of close security service towards Dr Mahathir challenges us to show courage and reinforce our belief that defending our rights for a better Malaysia is a cause that we all rightfully deserve. – November 3, 2017.

* Brig-Gen (ret) Mohd Arshad Raji is president, Persatuan Patriot Kebangsaan.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.